Many collectors, like
myself, are not familiar with the process Code 3 Collectibles goes
though when creating one of their masterpieces. We order them,
they show up on our doorstep, and we display them; that is our
process.

I will begin by sharing with you their process. I found it
very interesting, particularly as it was applied to the
FDNY Super Pumper System. So I will start at the
beginning.....

The Beginning

The speculation of this release has
has been a topic of discussing on Internet electronic forums for a few years. However, no one
really believed Code 3 Collectibles (or anyone for that matter) would release this product
because of the amount of money evolved in its development.
Even though the Super Pumper and Tender molds would be only used
once, they decided to go ahead with this project in June 2004.
Orlando Ramos, Research and Development Director for Code 3
Collectibles would oversee the entire project.

The first step, like all of
Code 3 Collectibles projects, was the data collection phase.
Code 3 Collectibles utilized a number resources and subject matter
experts.

The FDNY Library - The
George F. Mand
Library is a fully modern special library. The library's
computers possess an electronic card catalog, a digital photo
archive, and various multimedia-training programs. The NYSDOS
Fire Academy Library's index of fire service journal articles is
also available on library computers.

"The Super Pumper
System" a book by John A. Calderone - The entire history of
the Super Pumper is covered: from its basic concept; awarding of
the contract to Mack Trucks in 1963; construction; selection of
firehouses and personnel; official acceptance and placement in
service in 1965; gradual decline in the iid 1970’s; and eventual
elimination from active service in 1982.

Mack Trucks supplied
production images

Blueprints

The current owners of
both the Super Pumper and Super Tender volunteered images of the
apparatus.

Creating the "Hand
Sample"

According to Mr. Ramos, all 1:64 scale models
are first produced in 1:32 scale. This “hand sample” models become the
focus throughout the model’s development cycle. They are created
using photographs.

These plastic hand models cost $10,000 - $15,000
and are much easier to work with during the development stage. It
is easier to handle. Defects and discrepancies are much easier to
spot.

The “Hand Sample Model” is
then viewed by a group of subject mater experts. These experts
most always are members of the fire department for which the model
represents. In this case Orlando flew to New York and met with FDNY
Historians who viewed and critiqued the hand sample. Orlando made notes and created a report on what needed to be
corrected are added. Corrections are made on the hand sample.

The Code 3
1:32 Scale Super Pumper and Tender Hand SamplesPhotos are provided and copyrighted by Code 3
CollectiblesClick on photo to enlarge

The hand sample is then completely dissembled and
EVERY part is photographed and fed into a Computer Assisted Design
(CAD) System. The CAD System then reassembles the model and
scale it down to 1:64 scale.

Using high tech robotics, the CAD System creates
a "first shot" mold and the first 1:64 scale model is created and
shipped to California. This mold has no department markings
and may be presented in a wide range of colors. The model is
again reviewed by the subject matter experts and compared with the
data collected. Again, a report is generated and corrections
made.

The corrections are fed into the CAD System and a
"Prototype Mold" is created. The model produced by this mold
will have the proper departmental markings and color. This is
the model you see on the Code 3 Collectibles web site. This is
why it is clearly marked "prerelease".

There may be 4 or 5 corrections to the prototype
before the final mold is approved and full production begins.

The Code 3
Super Pumper, Tender, and Satellite PrototypesPhotos are provided and copyrighted by Code 3
CollectiblesClick on photo to enlarge

Placing
the Super Pumper System into Production....

I was surprised
at the efforts Code 3 Collectibles goes to in the final production
stages of these models. Certain plastic part is spray painted.
They admit, if a part does not get painted and bare plastic is
displayed it distracts from the beauty of the model. Any part
of the model that is not diecast is HAND ASSEMBLED.

Finally, the
models are packaged, shipped to California, and delivered to
collectors around the world.

The Super
Pumper System (SPS) comes to you in a single box that Houdini would
appreciate (32"x16"x15"). Everything is encased well within the box.
Styrofoam keeps everything 2-3 inches from the walls of the box
which is double-cardboard. It contains all the
complete SPS and display case:

Mack Super
Pumper;

Mack Super
Tender;

Three Satellite
Mack Engines;

Wood
Display Case

The Mack Super Pumper and
Tender

Detail

A-

Finish

A-

Accuracy

A-

Overall

A-

The detailing of these
pieces is almost to incredible to describe! Again, Code 3
continues to amaze collectors by the amount of detail they
continually place into their 1:64 scale models. EVERY TIME I ask myself, "how do
they do it"? From purely an engineering perspective, this had to
be a massive undertaking ! As one
follow collector put it "Everywhere you look on the Pumper and
Tender there are more details that you didn't see the first or
second turn around the models."

Like all newly released Code
3 models, theMack Super Pumperand Tender are displayed in a plastic case.
This is a big improvement in older "plastic dome" releases.
The case does lock onto the base. However, I would never trust
it. ALWAYS use two hands when handling these models to prevent
separating of the base and dome. When handling any model try
and use a pair of cotton gloves.

Drawing of of the Super Pumper with different configuration
form Mechanical Engineering Magazine, November 1965

Photograph of FDNY Super Pumper

By looking at the above
graphics, the Super Pumper changed its appearance over the years.
However, using a
blueprint supplied by
Grove Graphics, I compared the model to the blueprint.
It appears Code 3 Collectibles used the same blueprint when
designing this model.

The trailer on
both the Super Pumper and Tender do no separate from the cab.
This makes it very easy to remove the models from the case without
the cab and trailer separating. The model
itself is heavy and measures 8" Long x 1.5" Wide x 2.25 High.

The replica of the
massive 18 cylinder (there are discrepancy between the original
blueprints and the article in Mechanical Engineering Magazine
(Note: please take the time to read this article. It was
written by John Lehoczky, Jr., Director of Fire Apparatus
Operations) .
The magazine reports a 18 cylinder engine and the blueprints say
report a 16 cylinder), 2400 HP, 1800 RPM,
Napier-Deltic diesel engine is superbly done. The original
Super Pumper's engine is housed in a trailer and surrounded by
glass. You can see Code 3's reproduction is complete,
clear down to the rubber that protects the glass from shattering.
The drawing above shows a different configuration than what appears
in most photographs and the original blueprints.

Close-up of Code 3's Super Pumper
Napier-Deltic Engine

The Real Super Pumper Napier-Deltic Engine

The Super
Pumper's trailer is elaborately detailed. The trailer has two
"decks" around
the pump. These decks are layered
with diamond plate which is scaled properly. The valve wheels,
diamond plated steps, hand crank winch, and DeLaval Pump are accurate
well detailed and to scale. Code 3 Collectibles
added simulate cable to the winch by using string with a hook.

The trailer
also has hard suction hoses on both sides of the trailer. Under the pump, on both sides of the model, are four
scaled 4.5 inch outlets.

As best
as I can tell, Code 3 did a perfect match of the rig's color at the
time of its delivery. Like all Code 3 releases, the paint is
flawless and the pad graphics are clear and easy to read.

The Mack cab is
well detailed. The emergency lighting is accurate and detailed.
Most lights are lens, not painted.

I was particularly amazed at
the air lines and air tanks connecting the cab to the trailer.
The model sports accurately detailed wheels and rubber tires that match the wheels
found in most photographs.

The
Super Tender

Detail

A+

Finish

A+

Accuracy

A-

Overall

A-

Code 3 Collectibles Mack Super
Tender

Drawing of of the Super Tender with different configuration
form Mechanical Engineering Magazine, November 1965

Photograph of FDNY Super Tender

The Super
Tender (the firefighting end of the system), like the Super Pumper, is loaded with detail. It to
has changed from delivery to decommissioning. This 1:64 scale
model measures 8" Long x 1.5" Wide x 2.75" Tall.

Again, the model is
recreated with amazing accuracy . The diamond plate, ladder,
and railing is accurately reproduced in scale. This
model, like the Super Pumper trailer, can not be separated form the
cab.

Before receiving the final
model, I was concerned about the hose in the hose tender section of
the model. To me, looked fake. However, Code 3
Collectibles corrected it. If you look closely, you will see
the hose is laying on a simulated wood bed. The
blueprint indicates there is a large access door located on top
forward part of the trailer. This door does not appear on the
model.

The tiller seat faces to the
rear. I understand this was used for backing the truck up,
re-decking the hose.

One piece of
detail added to the model is the Mack logo located at the rear of
this model. Take a magnifying glass and look at the red circle
at the rear of the trailer (see photograph, the logo is circled in
blue) . WOW, what detail!

The detail on the Super
Tender cab is simply incredible! The glass is clear and
the diamond plate, chrome accessories, ladders, and mirrors are very
well done. The hose connections are accurately reproduced.
The model's compartments are all accurate and have chrome handles.

The deck gun is different
than the one that appears in the photograph and original blueprint.
However, this particular configuration does appear in the drawing
above.

The lighting is accurate,
again using a large number of plastic lens. The paint is
flawless and the pad printed graphics are accurate and clear.

The
Mack Satellites

Detail

A+

Finish

A+

Accuracy

A-

Overall

A-

Code 3 Collectibles Mack
Satellite

Drawing of of the Satellite with different configuration
form Mechanical Engineering Magazine, November 1965

Photograph of FDNY Super Tender

The final
addition to the FDNY Super Pumper Set are three Mack "C" model cabs
Super Pumper Satellites. These 1:64 scale models measure 5.25"
Long x 4' Wide x 2" Tall. This mold is the only one
in the set that has been used before. All three Satellites are the same
except for the following exceptions:

Satellite 1
has a white deck gun, the rest have red guns

Satellite 2
does not have the subway straps on the rear of the model; the rest
do

Like the rest
of the models there are some difference between the models and the
graphics presented above. Of particular interest is the device
that the deck gun rests on. According to retired FDNY
Firefighter Ken Martin, the intakes on each side were for supplying
the deck gun, which was capable of flowing 4000 gpm. The hose
carried throughout the System (Tender and Satellites) was 4 1/2" .

Code 3
Collectibles has done an great job reproducing this model. The
diamond plating, deck gun, hand rails, compartments, and weathered
hose load are superbly represent of that found on the original
apparatus. A two-wheeled cart is located on the drivers side
of each model.

Conclusion

Whether you are an avid or
casual collector of model fire apparatus, the Code 3 Collectibles
FDNY Super Pumper System is a must purchase. The detail
Code 3 Collectibles has engineered into this set is almost
beyond belief. None of the discrepancies mentioned in
this review in any way distracts from its beauty of these
models. Every time you look at these models you see some
new detail you missed.

Was it worth the wait? You bet,
collectors could not have asked for a better release. If this is a taste of things to come from Code 3 Collectibles, we
are all in for a big surprises. Code 3 Collectibles will
continue to "Preserve the Honor" for many years to come!

On a Wow factor of 1 - 5, I give
this model a 5!

One final graphic. I
have could never visualize the FDNY Super Pumper System in action
until I ran across this from Mechanical Engineering Magazine, November 1965.
Very impressive!